On July 22, 2025, pop culture in the United States erupted with excitement as Marvel Studios officially launched the sixth phase of its cinematic universe, British rocker Yungblud released a charity single honoring Black Sabbath, and Entertainment Weekly set the stage for San Diego Comic-Con with its highly anticipated issue and preview coverage. These developments marked a day that celebrated storytelling, community, and compassion.
Marvel Studios unveiled the beginning of Phase Six on July 21 with the world premiere of Fantastic Four: First Steps at Los Angeles’s prestigious Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. In a first-of-its-kind move, Disney+ live-streamed the blue-carpet event, offering fans an immersive experience akin to an awards ceremony. Before the screening, legendary composer Michael Giacchino conducted an orchestral suite of his new Marvel fanfare and selected themes from the film’s score. The cast — Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards), Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm), Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm), and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm) — drew praise for their authentic chemistry against a vibrant 1960s-inspired backdrop.
Set on an alternate retro-futuristic world, the film omits the traditional origin story, instead dropping viewers into the family’s internal drama as they prepare for a baby while confronting cosmic threats like Galactus and Silver Surfer. Critics responded warmly; Rotten Tomatoes reported an 87 percent approval rating, highlighting the cast’s performances and the movie’s distinct visual style, though some reviews noted tonal inconsistencies and underdeveloped characters. Audiences can experience the film beginning July 25 across U.S. theaters, with special screenings in IMAX, ScreenX, and 4DX formats. With early praise and a sequel already confirmed, the MCU’s new era is off to a promising start.
As the pop-culture world turned its attention to San Diego Comic-Con, Entertainment Weekly released its July 22 issue from the rooftop of the Hard Rock Hotel. The edition features exclusive interviews with stars and creators, providing fans with a digital preview of upcoming panels, reveals, and celebrity appearances throughout the weekend. EW’s Comic-Con Bash, scheduled for July 26, promises a star-studded night of celebration, just two days after the convention officially opens.
Entertainment Weekly also announced a series of panels for July 26, including “Brave Warriors,” with actors such as Robbie Amell and Babou Ceesay, and “Bold School,” spotlighting new talent in film and television. These events, combined with EW’s live coverage and social media engagement, position the outlet as a key cultural voice ahead of one of the year’s biggest entertainment conventions.
In music news, British artist Yungblud released a charity single on July 18—a cover of Black Sabbath’s “Changes,” recorded live during Ozzy Osbourne’s final Black Sabbath concert on July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham. The emotionally charged track features contributions from Nuno Bettencourt, Sleep Token drummer II, and Adam Wakeman. All proceeds will benefit Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorns Children’s Hospice.
Yungblud described the performance as “the biggest moment of my entire life,” and the single has already earned praise from fans and from Osbourne himself, who said, “He did an amazing job. I couldn’t have done it better myself.” The release adds to the lasting impact of Osbourne’s farewell concert, which reportedly raised $190 million for charity.
These three events—an MCU premiere, Comic-Con celebrations, and a heartfelt musical tribute—reflect the evolving landscape of entertainment today. Each story, while rooted in its own medium, highlights themes of legacy, innovation, and social engagement. From silver-screen superheroes to live musical tributes and fan-driven conventions, July 22 showcased the power of pop culture to inspire, unite, and give back.